US special representative on Iran Brian Hook had a rough go in the House
of Representatives today, where officials were pressing him to admit
that Iran had nothing to do with 9/11 and he was really reluctant to
answer.
Pressed on the matter, Hook’s first answer to the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee was that “I’m not a War Powers Act scholar.” Hook, however, has been one of the top Republican policy advisers for decades.
This was an issue because committee members were very keen to make the
point that the Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) after
9/11 does not authorize a US attack on Iran, and that there is
subsequently not any legal basis to start such a war.
Hook resisted this suggestion, however, saying “I can only tell you that
everything we would do would be lawful,” while finally conceding that
Iran isn’t responsible for the deaths of Americans on 9/11.
Congress likely feels particular need to get that position out there
because Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has repeatedly talked up claims
of Iran being in league with al-Qaeda, claims for which no evidence
exists, and which clearly seem intended to serve as a way to get the
AUMF to cover a US attack on Iran.
US Official Pressed to Say Iran Not Behind 9/11 as Congress Warns Against War
Hook says he's 'not a scholar,' but insists war would be legal
Join the Discussion!
We welcome thoughtful and respectful comments. Hateful language, illegal content, or attacks against Antiwar.com will be removed.
For more details, please see our Comment Policy.
